Special Health Care Needs Flashcards
What is the definition of special health care needs?
Any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, healthcare intervention and/or use of specialized services or programs
How many children with SHCN under 19 years of age in the US?
10.2 million (representing 14% of all US children) and <6000 pediatric dentists Different source: 12.5 million and 18% of children in the US
How many adolescents in the US with SHCN cross into adulthood?
750,000
When should specific transition planning begin for those patients with SHCN?
Between the ages of 14-16 years
What is the most common category of unmet health care for children with special needs?
Dentistry!
T/F:According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (AwDA), the dental office is a place of public accommodation.
True. Thus, dentists are obligated to be familiar with these regulations and ensure compliance. Failure to accommodate pts with SHCN could be considered discrimination and violation of federal and/or state law! E.g. provide wheelchair ramps, disabled-parking spaces
T/F: Children with SHCN are more likely to be victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect compared to those w/o disabilities.
True
What are the SBE prophylaxis guidelines?
- Prosthetic cardiac valve of prosthetic material used for cardiac valve repair
- Previous infective endocarditis
- CHD (congenital heart disease) - Unrepaired cyanotic CHD, including palliative shunts/conduits - Completely repaired cong heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or catheter, during first 6 months after procedure (bc endothelialization of prosthetic materials occurs within 6 months after the procedure) - Repaired CHD with residual defects at or adjacent to site of prosthetic patch or prosthetic device (which inhibit endothelialization)
- Cardiac transplant recipients who develop cardiac valvulopathy **these cardiac conditions are associated with the highest risk of adverse outcome from infective endocarditis
Does an anesthetic injection through non-infected tissue need SBE prophylaxis?
No. Also, SBE prophylaxis not required for X-raysremovable prosth or ortho appliance placement ortho appliance adjustmentsortho bracket placementexfoliation of deciduous teethbleeding from trauma to lips or oral mucosa
What are some non-cardiac factors that can place pt with compromised immunity at risk for distant-site infection from dental procedure?
- Immunosuppression HIV, SCIDS (severe combined immunod), neutropenia, cancer chemo, hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplantation - head and neck radiotherapy - autoimmune disease (Juvenile arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus) - sickle cell anemia - asplenism or s/p splenectomy - chronic steroid usage - diabetes - bisphosphonate therapy
What are AHA recommendation for abx px for indwelling catheters or medical devices?
AHA recommends abx px for - nonvalvular devices indicated only at time of placement to prevent surgical site infection* - indwelling vascular catheters (central lines) - cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) - VA, VC, VV shunts do require abx px (VAC) - VP shunt does not (does not involve any vascular structures) *AHA found no convincing evidence that microorganisms associated with dental procedures cause infection of nonvalvular devices at any time after implantation – most often gram negative staph or other microorganisms non-oral in origin associated with surgical implantation or other active infections
What patients are at increased risk of hematogenous total joint infection?
- All patients with a prosthetic total joint replacement - Previous prosthetic joint infection- Inflammatory arthropathies (e.g. RA, SLE) - Megaprosthesis - Hemophilia - Malnourishment - Compromised immunity
ADA/AAOS 2012 recommendations that are endorsed by the AAPD:
- Abx px not indicated for: - pins, plates, screws, or other hardware that is not within a synovial joint - nor routinely for most dental patients with total joint replacements Based on the fact that antibiotic prophylaxis has NOT shown a significant reduction in the risk of developing joint infections subsequent to dental procedures
What are considered high-risk dental procedures?
- All procedures that involve manipulation of gingival tissue or periapical region of teeth or perforation of the oral mucosa
Oral abx dosage for abx px:
Amoxicillin: 2g adult, 50 mg/kg child Allergy to pens or ampicillin => Cephalexin: 2g adult, 50 mg/kg child Clindamycin: 600 mg adult, 20 mg/kg child Azithromycin or clarithromycin: 500 mg adult, 15 mg/kg child
ABX PX for pt unable to take oral medications:
All given IM or IV Ampicillin 2g adult, 50 mg/kg child Cefazolin or ceftriaxon 1g adult, 50 mg/kg child Allergic to penicillin or ampicillin: Cefazolin or ceftriaxon 1g adult, 50 mg/kg child Clindamycin 600 mg adult, 20 mg/kg child
Amoxicillin is the drug of choice for SBE prophylaxis because of increased A. Compliance B. GI absorption C. Sustained serum levels A&B B&C
B and C
What type of chx is indicated for pts tx w/chemo or radiation?
Alcohol-free CHX because otherwise high alcohol content may cause discomfort and dehydrate the tissues in pts with mucositis.
Is flossing and ultrasonic toothbrushing recommended for all patients undergoing cancer therapy?
No, only for those that are properly trained. Brushing of teeth and tongue 2x day with soft brush or electric toothbrush is recommended regardless of hematological status If poor OH and/or perio disease, may use CHX rinses daily until tissue health improves or mucositis develops.
What are the important ANC values?
> 2000 : no need for abx px 1000 – 2000 : rx abx px (consider more abx if infection/unclear) < 1000 : defer elective dental care. In emergency, discuss abx coverage with medical team before proceeding with treatment. Pt may need hospitalization for dental management. <500 defer all care
What are important platelet counts?
> 75,000 doing awesome, no additional support needed 40k – 75k : consider platelet transfusion pre- and 24 hrs post-operatively. Use localized control measures like: sutures, hemostatic agents, pressure packs, gelatin foams < 40k : defer care. In emergency, discuss w/PMD platelet transfusions, bleeding control, hospital admission. Also use localized control like: microfibrillar collagen, topical thrombin and additional meds recommended by hematologist/oncologist like aminocaproic acid, tranexamic acid
How do cycles of chemo (and other therapies) typically affect blood counts?
Blood counts start falling 5-7 days after beginning of cycle. Stay low for 14-21 days Rise to normal a few days before next cycle begins. Ideally all dental tx complete before therapy begins. Otherwise, place ITR and delay non-acute dental tx.
How are dental procedures prioritized for pts undergoing cancer therapy?
FIRST: 1. Infections 2. Extractions 3. Periodontal care (scaling, px) 4. sources of tissue irritation THEN: 5. carious teeth (look at risk for pulp infection & pain) 6. RCT permanent tth 7. replacement faulty restorations Be aware that s/s periodontal disease may be decreased in immunosuppressed pts.
What is the recommendation for pulp therapy for primary teeth prior to cancer tx?
NO STUDIES showing safety. Definitive tx (EXT) preferred by clinicians Pulpal/PA/furcal infections during immunosuppression periods can become life-threatening Existing pulp/sscs should be monitored for signs internal resorption/failure to do infection

